Nationals intend to shift CJ Abrams to second base for season's final weeks

Washington’s manager Blake Butera told reporters the club plans to move shortstop CJ Abrams to second base during the final six weeks of the campaign. The change comes as Abrams continues a breakout offensive season, having recorded 25 home runs, 79 runs batted in and a .293 batting average through 431 plate appearances.

Abrams, 25, has emerged as a key run producer for the Nationals, ranking among league leaders in RBI, runs, steals and batting average. He hit his 29th homer of the year in a recent game against the Braves and has set a career high with 51 walks.

The shift will see Jose Tena start at second base while Abrams remains in the lineup, allowing the team to leverage his speed and hitting from the bench if needed. The move is viewed as a strategic adjustment rather than a demotion, and it aligns with the club’s broader roster planning ahead of the upcoming trade deadline.

"We’re looking at how we can get the most out of CJ and the rest of the roster as we head into the final stretch of the season," Butera said.

The Nationals have not recorded a 40-home-run season since 2015, and both Abrams and teammate James Wood are on pace to challenge that mark by season’s end.